We have subsequently shown that puerarin is the major active isoflavone because 7 days treatment with this compound alone (1200 mg/day) produced a similar reduction of binge drinking as the extract (Penetar et al., 2012). Given that a week of preplanning is unlikely before a binge drinking episode or opportunity, we built on our previous findings to explore in the present experiment if a single dose of kudzu extract taken shortly before a drinking session would reduce alcohol consumption. In the first, kudzu extract was administered for 7 days and acute binge drinking was suppressed (Lukas et al., 2005).
J. Med. Food
If you experience any adverse reactions while using kudzu, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, including evidence-based treatments, remains paramount. Zimin Liu (California Nutritionals, San Diego, CA) reported on blended herbal products to treat anxiety and depression and their economic market potential. Qian Lin (Beijing University of Chinese Medicine) presented evidence from individual cases, randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses suggesting a complementary role of TCM in the management of chronic heart failure (Li et al., 2013). It produces large numbers of seeds that are disseminated by animals, especially birds.
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (Research Version)
Extracts of the kudzu plant are best known for their ability to suppress alcohol intake or alter alcohol effects by laboratory animals (Heyman et al., 1996; Keung and Vallee, 1993b; Keung, 2003; Overstreet et al., 1996; Rezvani et al., 2003; Benlhabib et al., 2004). The degree of reduction is often as high as 50% and the effects appeared within one to two days of treatment. Regardless of the actual mechanism of action, it is widely accepted that the isoflavones in kudzu are effective in reducing alcohol intake in a number of mammalian species. In some instances, even a single dose of kudzu extract reduced alcohol consumption and prevented binge drinking (4, 5). One small study looked at the effects of kudzu in 17 men ages 21–33 who reported drinking approximately 22–35 drinks per week. The researchers gave participants either kudzu extract or a placebo every day for 4 weeks (2).
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The subjects stood erect on the platform with feet together with their eyes either open or closed, and with their arms either by their side or extended to the side with their palms facing upward. Participants were told to relax between each 30-second collection period, but did not move their feet. Assessments were performed after completion of the questionnaires at 30, 45, and 60 minutes after start of alcohol administration; after 1 hour, stance stability was assessed every 30 minutes until the end of the session at 3 hours.
1 Alcohol Consumption
“The fact that participants experienced a rapid rise in blood alcohol levels when pre-treated with kudzu has no apparent explanation and therefore requires additional research,” said Penetar. For the https://ecosoberhouse.com/what-are-sober-living-houses/ researchers, the next step is to determine if kudzu alters regional brain blood flow using an fMRI. Alcoholic drinks were made by mixing a name brand vodka (80 proof) with chilled orange juice.
Treatment with kudzu extract does not cause an increase in alcohol’s intoxicating effects
- In China, it has been used to treat alcoholism since 600AD, and Western medicine is starting to take notice of this herbal remedy.
- Capsule sets were individually packaged in small envelopes and marked on the outside with date and time of day to be consumed.
- According to some studies, kudzu root may help manage some symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
- Kudzu root appeared to be no better than placebo in reducing alcohol craving and/or promoting sobriety.
- They consumed 7.8±0.63 drinks per week and did not abuse nor were dependent on any drug.
- This invasive weed is native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, where it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
In that study, however, we did find evidence of an initial more rapid rise in blood alcohol levels in kudzu-treated individuals, suggesting that isoflavones may alter bioavailability of alcohol to the brain during the ascending alcohol absorption phase. This interpretation of kudzu’s possible mechanism of action was also suggested by Wong et al. (2011) who postulated that kudzu alters peripheral and cerebral blood flow. Puerarin, one of the most abundant isoflavones kudzu to stop drinking in kudzu root extracts, is a known vasodilator and is approved for such use in China following coronary infarction and stroke (Wu et al., 2014). In spite of the compelling preclinical and clinical evidence of its efficacy, the precise mechanism of action of kudzu in reducing alcohol consumption is not currently known. Prior studies of its antidipsotropic effect have focused on taste-aversion, alterations in alcohol metabolism or effects on neurotransmitters.
6 Data Analysis
Kudzu is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately for up to 4 months or when injected intravenously (by IV) for up to 20 days. And while it did contain the isoflavones that are thought to be the active ingredients, our volunteers had to take five pills each to achieve the desired level of 500mg. However, there are no kudzu products on the market in the UK carrying the THR mark. Kudzu root, leaf, and flowers have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. But today you can find it in the supplement aisle of most grocery stores. Data from the actiwatch device was the primary source for all analyses while the daily diary served as a back up to verify daily totals and in case of equipment failure.
- Analysis was performed on every 5 minute sample after the commencement of drinking for 75 minutes, and on samples taken at 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes.
- One study on 82 postmenopausal women notes that using a Pueraria mirifica (a particular species of kudzu) gel may improve symptoms of vaginal dryness.
- Kudzu may also help reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Although a topical P. mirifica gel improved vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women, a conjugated estrogen cream was found to be more effective (26).
- Nor will it drastically enhance your quality of life after the first dose.
- One Chinese herbal medicine, XJL (NPI-028), has long been used to reduce the inebriation that results from alcohol consumption.
- Given that a week of preplanning is unlikely before a binge drinking episode or opportunity, we built on our previous findings to explore in the present experiment if a single dose of kudzu extract taken shortly before a drinking session would reduce alcohol consumption.
- There is information that suggests kudzu contains ingredients that counteract alcohol.
- Kudzu might decrease how fast the body gets rid of methotrexate (Rheumatrex).
